Are you an avid reader looking for your next "fix"? Can't bear to be without some form of reading material in your spare time? Welcome to my world! Whether you are seeking a new book to "feed your need", or you are an author seeking an unbiased point of view on your own recent masterpiece, this is the place to be. With life as with books, you never know where the next step might take you...

QUICK NOTE...Update: 9/7/19

First of all, my heart goes out to all those affected by the recent heinous weather outbreaks, most recently being Hurricane Dorian. We were right in the path of Hurricane Michael (like so many others), and we're still trying to get back in our home. Things are very slow to progress towards normalcy...and every day presents a new headache/nightmare to deal with. Hopefully by month's end, we'll be back in there to start the next leg of recovery. Thanks for stopping by and sharing my bookish adventures. It helps remind me I'm not alone in this crazy journey called life.

Monday, July 29, 2019

Today, we're joining Rachel's Random Resources for a stop along their current tour starring a Women's Fiction title that may also feature on Contemporary Romance fan's reading radars. From the sound of things, it's a good reminder of the pitfalls of love and yet that undeniable desire to BE loved, consequences be darned. So, ready or not fair readers, here comes today's title in the spotlight...

I’ve chosen the opening of the book because within the first few pages, the core story is already underway as Alex (an actor and married with children) confesses to Dani (his agent) that he wants them to start a relationship. And we’re off! (467 words)

“Well this is a first.” Dani sat down in front of the glass of wine that was waiting for her. “Since when did you start arriving early?”
Alex smiled at her. “So I’ve been late a few times. Get over it.”
“So come on then, how did it go?”
“Oh who knows? It’s a great part, there’s no doubt about that. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
Dani watched Alex for a moment, the conversation having prematurely dried up. His brow was furrowed, his hand rubbing it roughly as if trying to iron out the creases. She decided he looked nervous. “Alex?” There was a slight delay before he looked up. “What’s on your mind?” Dani continued to scrutinise him, keen to know where this was heading.
Alex took a large gulp of his drink and then looked at her for a moment. “How would you feel about getting involved with me?”
“I am involved with you.”
“No, more involved.” He hesitated, a growing awkwardness inhibiting his normal eloquence. “I mean properly involved. A relationship.”
“No thanks.”
Alex looked a bit taken aback at the speed of her answer. “Don’t you even want to think about it?”
“No.”
“Well pretend then, if for no other reason than to protect my fragile ego.”
Dani smiled. “It’s a ridiculous idea as you well know.”
Alex shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “The way I feel about you doesn’t seem ridiculous.”
Dani took a deep breath. For a moment, she had wondered if he was playing with her, thinking that maybe he was rehearsing a script, trying out a particularly important line on her but the look in his eyes told her he had never been more serious. “You’re married, you have three children and I can’t make a relationship work when it actually stands a chance, never mind starting one that’s doomed from the start. And I’m your agent. Sounding pretty ridiculous so far.” Alex lowered his head and for a moment Dani feared she might have been a little brutal. “Maybe you just can’t see it but it seems to me like you have it pretty good.”
He looked up at her again, his eyes heavy. “Maybe I don’t.”
Dani laughed. “Oh save me from the ‘my wife doesn’t understand me’ line!”
“I wasn’t going to say that at all. I love my wife and I’d never leave her.”
Dani looked confused. “If you mean that, what was in this for me?” Alex looked at her but as he went to answer she stopped him. “No, don’t answer that.”
So he wanted to keep his neat little family life and use her for sex. Not the most attractive offer she’d ever had. Dani decided the conversation had gone quite far enough. “Go home Alex. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the author...

Elaine spent 25 years working in marketing and communications in the media and entertainment industries. This included seven years marketing national newspapers and a variety of senior executive roles in TV, radio and film. I Can’t Tell You Why is her first novel.

Elaine lives in North London with her husband and their two sons. When she’s not writing, she can be found looking harassed on the school run, cheering on the side lines of her sons’ football matches or singing her heart out at her local branch of Popchoir.

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